My laundry can beat your laundry!

Sometimes the passionate sports fan in me collides with the pragmatist.

One of those moments occurred a few days ago when I was on a sports blog somewhere and someone profoundly noted that "we are really only rooting for laundry."

I don't think I will ever forget that quote for the simple reason that it crystallized and gave voice to something that I have thought about for many years.

What is it about us humans that we can be so loyal to a group of guys who happen to be wearing a uniform that we have grown accustomed to pulling for?

I really began to question the logic of being a fanatic when my beloved Los Angeles Rams skipped town and moved to St. Louis. Why do I still root for them even though they aren't from my hometown? Why will I still be a Rams fan even when L.A. finally gets a new team?

At least you can't say I am provincial.

Logically it makes no sense to root for a team from St. Louis. The only thing they have in common with the team I grew up loving is the name and the owner whom I despise.

Logic be damned, I can't stop myself!

What if the entire team and coaching staff were completely swapped with another team in the league? I've thought about that before and I can tell you with all certainty that I would still root for the Rams! Am I mental or what?

I think this mystery wrapped in an enigma can probably be explained by studying the implication of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: Isn't there something about the importance of spending large portions of time on the couch with a remote, chips and a favorite beverage?

Go Angels (red uniforms), UCLA Bruins (blue and gold), Rams (blue and gold), and Lakers (yellow and "Laker" blue)!

Diversity: gotta love it

So my local school district is looking to hire a new superintendent and the local paper has an the rundown on the fantastic possibilities that await as the interview process begins.

I read the article anxiously to see what marvelous qualities they must possess. Maybe they have experienced success turning around under-performing districts; maybe they have some innovative ideas to boost student achievement; maybe they are financial wizards with plans to better allocate taxpayer money.

Maybe not.

It turns out that the main thing the newspaper seemed to be touting was that half of the candidates "represent minority ethnic groups" and "one woman was chosen."

How exciting.

No mention of accomplishments, no trumpeting of their superior abilities, no glowing testimonials of effective leadership.

Imagine if your favorite sports team operated on such a silly system (fake quote coming):

"The Yankees announced today that they are looking for the pieces to build their next championship team. Owner George Steinbrenner has ordered GM Brian Cashman to pull out all the stops to find a Pacific Islander and perhaps a Norwegian or two in order to improve team chemistry."

We live in a crazy, crazy world.